Digital nomads, that is, remote workers residing in Croatia from non-EU and EU countries, can now apply for a temporary residence permit for 18 months to three years, with their family members.
According to SchenghenVisaInfo this forms part of significant changes to its Aliens Act legislation, amended by the Ministry of Interior under the Digital Nomad Visa scheme.
It is also a departure from the policy introduced in 2021, which allowed nomads to apply for an initial 12-month stay, with the possibility of a six-month extension.
The shift reflects Croatia’s growing appeal as a destination for remote workers.
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Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior noted this about the digital nomad program,
“The digital nomad program is designed as a tourist promotion of the Republic of Croatia, and in this way, digital nomads who want to extend their stay in Croatia beyond the existing 12 months are enabled to do so”.
Popular option for third-country nationals
Originally conceived as a tourism programme, the scheme has evolved into an increasingly popular option for third-country nationals seeking a safe base for remote work.
However, strict conditions remain, as nomads are prohibited from working for Croatian companies and must provide evidence of foreign employment or ownership of an online business.
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Key regulations and requirements
Among the key rules and regulations is that those opting for less than 18 months initially cannot later extend their stay to the full duration. Instead, the extended 36-month option (18 + 18 months) must be applied for from the outset.
Additionally, once a residence permit expires, applicants must wait six months before reapplying.
Another change is the financial eligibility criteria, indicating that nomads must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,295, which is a recent increase from the previous requirement of €2,870.
For those applying for a 12-month stay, proof of at least €39,540 is necessary, while an 18-month permit requires a minimum of €59,310 in funds.
Despite these financial thresholds, Croatia remains an attractive and cost-effective option compared to other European destinations, particularly as digital nomads are exempt from income tax.
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Statistics on digital nomads in Croatia
Recent statistics from the Ministry reveal that, in the first nine months of 2024, 824 applications for the digital nomad visa were submitted, with 342 approved.
As of September 2024, 629 digital nomads were residing in Croatia with valid permits, highlighting the country’s increasing role as a hub for location-independent professionals.
